Question: What’s the best way to build a bond with your fans?
Answer: Tell a compelling story.
Human beings are born storytellers. It’s how we communicate our hopes and fears with our loved ones and communities. Being active on social media is the mass sharing of your story with a much bigger community!
Want to build a community of fans? Share engaging stories on your feeds.
Want more sales? Share the story of how your products and designs came to be.
What inspired you? Why did you choose those particular designs over another? Your fans want to hear your story!
And guess what? It’s not as hard as you think. Just a simple post or reel about the “why” behind your design not only gets fans interested in your merch, it checks off another Bingo square!
Remember Bingo? You’re playing for big cash prizes! So let’s dive into how to share your story to get you closer to B-I-N-G-O!
Why Sharing Your Story Matters
Social Media is a crowded medium with everyone vying for attention. What will help you stand apart? Being real and authentic. Some points to consider:
Authenticity is rare: Many people struggle with being transparent or knowing who they are.
Being yourself attracts fans: Influencers with millions of followers often succeed because they allow themselves to be vulnerable and authentic.
Emotional connection matters: Fans relate to and love creators who are genuine, creating a deeper bond.
Stand out by being real: Authenticity and transparency make you memorable in a crowded space.
Your story adds meaning: Sharing the backstory of your designs gives your product a personal, emotional touch.
Combine connection and storytelling: Emotional connection and storytelling are key to building lasting fan relationships.
Crafting the Story Behind Your Design
So you’re thinking, “Great! Emotional connection and a compelling story will drive sales, but how do I do that?” Let us help:
Identify Your Why: Share the inspiration behind your design, whether it’s a personal experience, theme, or community feedback. Be authentic—talk about your fears, desires, and goals related to your product. Why does your brand exist? What impact does it have on your fans? Explore these questions deeply.
Be Transparent: Fans value personal stories and meaning. Share how your design came to life, the challenges you faced, and why it’s significant. Transparency builds trust and engagement, turning fans into loyal customers.
Be Honest. It’s scary to be transparent but when you are, you’ll be surprised at how many people will engage with you, your brand, and ultimately will become dedicated followers.
Share Across Your Socials
Once you have your story down, it’s time to share. This isn’t a one post and done type deal. You are sharing a journey. Start at the beginning, capture the steps to the finale and then celebrate when done! In other words, create lots of content and share across channels and across mediums! The more the better!
Some ideas:
Instagram and other social posts: Share snippets of the creative process, whether it’s early sketches, mood boards, or behind-the-scenes looks at how the design evolved. There is no such thing as posting too early. Start when you haven’t even started yet.
Videos & Live Sessions: Go live or post videos explaining the story behind the design. Share why you created it and what it means to you, encouraging interaction from your fans. Again, there is no such thing as filming too early. You can even start while you’re sitting there, having done nothing, trying to brainstorm ideas of what to create. It might even be interesting to show you come up with an idea that you end up abandoning because it didn’t ring true. You’re filming yourself being inauthentic, before becoming authentic! How interesting is that!?
Don’t forget Product Descriptions: On your product page, you can use the description area to tell the story. Instead of just listing features, explain the thought process behind the design and what makes it unique. This will also make you stand out from the crowd because it is so underused by most of the community.
BINGO! Any of the above steps will allow you to cross off the square “share the story behind your design” on our Holiday Bingo board. Imagine doing all of these things to grow sales, and winning a cash prize just for doing what you would have been doing anyway!
Share your story in your holiday promotions!
By incorporating storytelling, authenticity, and transparency into your brand marketing every time you launch a design, you’re not just driving sales—you’re building long-lasting relationships within your community. In fact, you’re enlarging your community, which means those relationships are increasing in proportion to that growth.
Keep in mind this also helps you cross off another Bingo square and for every Bingo you hit, you’ll have your name entered to win the BIG CASH PRIZES!
Branded merch is one of the best ways to connect deeply with your fans. And you don’t need a huge following; the goal is to have a passionate following. How do you accomplish this? Building hype!
You need to build up hype for your next merch drop, which in turn will give you a killer launch that’ll propel your sales into the stratosphere during the biggest buying season of the year.
So, let’s get going! Here are 6 sure-fire strategies to help you create hype for your upcoming holiday drop!
Plus, use these tips to cross off some of your holiday bingo tasks and be entered to win up to $3000 in our raffle!
1. Get to know your fans really well
For those of you who have this down, you can skip to the next step, or just stick around if you want a refresher. Growing your fanbase involves researching what your fans are interested in.
What is it that drew them to you and your channel(s) in the first place?
What do fans respond to?
Which posts get engagement and love, and which ones don’t?
Go through your feed and do your research! Learn your followers’ likes, mehs, and cringes. When you design with their likes in mind, word of mouth will do the rest as far as building excitement over your new products.
2. Choose products that are relevant
Designs are done. Check. But what products do you print the designs on? HINT: Refer to step #1. This is where knowing your fanbase pays dividends.
Example: If you’re creating holiday-themed products, it might not make sense to put your winter wonderland on a tank top. Why not opt for a hoodie or fleece blanket? And throw in a cozy mug while you’re at it.
Niche is also important. If your fans are techies, skip the beach towels or shower curtains and get right to tech accessories, like phone cases or a desk mat. Hot tip: we now offer jigsaw puzzles! The original gamer’s night in!
Not sure which products fit your niche? Check out our core collections for some great ideas!
3. Capture behind-the-scenes content before you launch!
Your products are ready to go! But wait! Don’t launch yet! It’s time to build excitement. Announce your upcoming merch drop (again, see step #1 for why your social media audience will care). Tease samples in your content, giving fans a sneak peek of what’s to come. Get them guessing what you’re about to launch!
Then, start dripping some BTS (behind-the-scenes) content. Here are some ideas:
Get footage of you actually creating your design, whether that’s drawing, choosing fonts and colors, or choosing products on your dashboard.
Tease the holidays! Why not play some festive music, wear some holiday attire in your content to get fans excited to start shopping the minute you launch?
Unbox your sample live (these videos are still popular, by the way). Wrap it up like a gift and open it so fans will want to repeat the experience!
Narrate your videos. Talk directly to your fans about your merch so they can have a window inside your mind into why you created your design and what inspired you.
Don’t just say, “Check out my new merch.” Hyping up the holidays and hyping up your products in your content NOW will create an emotional connection with your fans, which by default increases sales when it’s time to holiday shop.
4. Countdown the days
🎵It’s the Final Countdown! 🎶
Countdowns work because they’re fun. Watching that time ticker gets us excited to pounce, especially if we know we’re going to get a deal (see next point).
Create a series of countdown posts leading up to your merch drop so fans are reminded of exactly when you launch. For a good rule of thumb, countdown weeks at first and then days when it’s less than a week away. What else can you communicate on your countdown posts? Discounts, of course. That’s next!
5. Discounts! Discounts! Discounts!
Who doesn’t look for great deals during the holidays? There’s a reason why everyone lines up for Black Friday sales and then hits the computer for Cyber Monday. Everyone wants to feel they’re special because they’re saving more than the next guy. So make your fans feel special! Hook them up with discounts before you even launch. Share promo codes over socials in advance; Encourage fans to use the codes the second your merch goes live and keep the promos going up to Black Friday and beyond.
Three tips:
Don’t forget to set up the promo code before you launch.
Offer the best deals in the first 24 hours of your drop to get fans to act quickly.
Make it clear when the code ends. No one wants to feel they were deceived, even if by accident.
You can create codes easily on your dashboard here. Discounts are one of the best ways of creating serious FOMO and getting your fans to scramble for your merch ASAP before the discount ends. After all, nobody wants to miss out on a deal, right?
6. Create a “limited edition”
FOMO is a real thing. So is the trusty “limited time only” sales tool. No one wants to miss out on something special. If your collection is only available for a short period of time, it means not everyone can have it. That’s why offering “limited edition” merch is GOLD! You snooze. You lose!
A few ideas to capitalize on this tactic during the holidays:
Create a unique design exclusive to this time of year using holiday themes and colors or winter-inspired designs.
Choose a past best-seller and add a holiday twist to the design, treating it like a special holiday edition.
Take one of your past designs and refresh it, mixing in something old with something new. Promote both designs, old and new, for a double feature!
Be a rebel. Ignore the holiday themes—create a new design based on something recent from your content and roll it out for the holidays and beyond.
If your launch is hugely successful, you can always bring it back in the future “by popular demand.” This also sets up expectations for your fans to be ready to pounce the next time you have a merch drop.
7. Build an email list of your customers
Keep track of all those purchasers! Send ‘em emails with a discount for their next buy. Emails are yet another way to achieve step #1. Remember step #1? We’ve only mentioned it 5 times or so. Not all fans are customers, but the ones who need to be kept in the loop about your merch drops. You need to send out regular emails about upcoming drops, special deals, and any other exclusive content that they can hear from you about before it hits your feed.
Don’t have an email list yet? Hit us up at creatorhelp@spri.ng to see if we can help you reach your past buyers with news about your merch.
So there you have it. If you build hype, they will buy. As always, happy selling, and keep playing holiday bingo for your chance to win our $3000 raffle!
The holidays are knocking on the door. Literally. Get your candy ready. 🍭
Every year, October, November, and December dominate sales. They represent the busiest shopping season, especially for online retailers. According to one poll, 62% of holiday shoppers expect to buy mostly online, and many of them plan to do so before Halloween.
So, in other words, it’s time to launch already!
If you’re not sure what to offer, we’ve got you covered with a list of best-sellers and unique stocking stuffers to help get your creative juices flowing.
Elevate your style with embroidery: it has a handcrafted feel and looks luxurious! A great choice for simple designs, like your logo with a holiday twist, maybe? Spring has a few options to choose from:
Why stick to the middle when your entire garment can rock your design? All-over prints are just that – they take over the entire space. Go wild with creativity and bring in some holiday themes while you’re at it.
A staple for every home, mugs are popular gifts as they can communicate almost anything! Try adding some humor to the holiday, or go big with your brand.
🔥Hot tip: create 4 compatible designs that can go together as a set! That’s 4 sales at once!
Jewelry
Add some glam to your online store with jewelry. While tees are always an instant hit, sometimes people are looking for more. A necklace or bracelet with your custom design might just be the perfect accessory! Cart building ensues!
The ultimate stocking stuffer. They’re also a blank canvas for you to show off your brand. Go crazy and design socks for all the holidays. Or create multiple designs so people buy up several pairs. Custom-designed socks are a sure-fire way to boost holiday sales.
Bundle up your fans in style this winter with a cozy fleece blanket. This is a chance for you to flex your creative style. Experiment with colors, shapes, and phrases. Get your brand seen by anyone who wants to cuddle up on a cold night.
It’s your brand on the go! At the mall! At the grocery store! At the park! Tote bags can literally go anywhere, which means you have instant advertising for how cool your brand is. Create a few options, one for Holiday and one that goes year-round.
Taking pen to paper isn’t dead; it just needs a creative push. Top a notebook with your design and place it on desks and in bedrooms as people write out their dreams or to-do lists. You just might inspire your fans to be creative, too!
Your designs are not just T-shirt toppers; they’re art! Or at least, they can be. Spring has a vertical gallery-wrapped canvas just waiting for your brand. Add images and text, experiment with colors…If you need help creating your design, try out Adobe Express, which is now integrated into Spring!
We know what you’re thinking. Does Spring have jigsaw puzzles? Yep! They’re not only a great gift, but they turn your best designs into a game. Try it out!
Hopefully, you have just been inspired to try out some new products. As a reminder, if you want to launch, promote, and sell for the biggest shopping season of the year, you need to act fast. Below are shipping dates for regular US-based POD products to keep in mind:
12/6 for Standard
12/8 for Rush
12/10 for Super Rush
Don’t forget that launching a new product is a square on our Holiday Bingo, where you can be entered to win up to $3000! Make sure to play along, and happy selling!
Amaze, the world’s leading creator commerce platform, is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Pietra, a global leader in eCommerce enablement. This partnership will allow creators on the Spring by Amaze platform to easily bring their unique brand visions to life. Launching on October 16, 2024, this collaboration simplifies the custom product development process and gives Spring by Amaze creators access to over 50,000 unique products that can be shipped globally.
Creators on the Spring by Amaze platform are becoming the world’s most interesting brands due to their ability to uniquely connect with their fans. With this partnership, these brands will now be able to expand their catalog assortment to include anything the creator can imagine. Together, Amaze and Pietra bring mass product development to millions of creators who are already monetizing their community and building loyalty with unique on-demand products. Amaze and Pietra are the leading platforms for sourcing on-demand products and custom products, and together, they will offer rapid growth to emerging brands. Amaze and Pietra will handle the heavy lifting of development, sourcing, production, and fulfillment, allowing creators to do what they do best: create amazing content.
From Concept to Market: A Seamless Creator Experience
Bringing a product from concept to market can be one of the most challenging aspects of building a brand. But with the new Amaze and Pietra partnership, those challenges are a thing of the past. Creators now have access to a streamlined, one-stop solution for custom product development, eliminating the complexities of vendor sourcing and logistics management.
Whether it’s launching cosmetics, apparel & accessories, or home goods, this collaboration ensures a more efficient and lower-cost journey from ideation to final product. By combining Amaze’s global reach and creator-focused platform with Pietra’s expertise in production and fulfillment, creators can focus on what truly matters—building connections with their community, sharing their unique vision, and scaling their brand.
“Our vision at Amaze is to allow anyone to sell anything, anywhere, with simple tools that connect,” says Aaron Day, CEO of Amaze. “This partnership with Pietra is a natural step in that journey. By providing creators with a seamless solution to custom product creation, we’re allowing them to turn their ideas into thriving businesses without the typical hurdles of sourcing, production, high costs, and logistics.”
Ronak Trivedi, CEO of Pietra, added, “We are incredibly excited to work closely with Amaze, an industry leader in Creator commerce, to power the next generation of commerce. This partnership shows that two industry leaders can come together to push an entire industry into the future.”
Revolutionizing the Creator Economy
This partnership between Amaze and Pietra represents a fundamental shift in the creator economy, giving creators of all sizes the ability to turn their side hustle into full-fledged, thriving brands. By removing the barriers to entry, more creators than ever will be able to bring products to market, expand their offerings, and elevate their businesses.
Some key benefits include:
Faster Product Launches: With streamlined sourcing and production processes, creators can release new products quickly, capitalizing on trends and community demand.
Expanded Product Options: From fashion to home decor, creators can offer a broader range of products than ever before, ensuring that their offerings resonate with their audience.
Increased Profitability: By reducing inefficiencies, this partnership leads to lower costs and greater profit margins for creators.
For creators, this opens doors to new opportunities and allows them to act quickly in response to viral content, seasonal trends, or community feedback.
Leading the Way in a Growing Industry
As the creator economy continues to soar—expected to reach nearly half a trillion dollars by 2027—91% of creators still rely on brand deals for their income, according to Influencer Marketing Hub.
However, with the new partnership between Amaze and Pietra, creators now have the opportunity to go beyond promoting other brands. They can design, own, and sell their own custom products—unique to their personal brand and ideas—unlocking higher profits and greater control over their revenue streams. This collaboration offers creators the tools they need to build something truly their own and maximize their earnings.
Amaze is truly leading the charge in Creator Powered Commerce by removing barriers and ensuring that creators of all sizes can transform their passion into sustainable businesses. This partnership represents a pivotal moment in the creator economy, where the possibilities for success are limitless.
You can create literally anything with Spring! If you can dream it, you can Spring it. No tech skills are required! We handle everything, from product design, inventory management, shipping, and customer service, for free. Your products will be showcased on your personal storefront and you can order samples to show off on your channels to build up the hype.
So why not design an ultra-special, one-of-a-kind custom product that you can promote & sell through the holidays? After all, these next 3 months represent the BUSIEST BUYING SEASON OF THE YEAR.
Why not capitalize on it with something truly special that captures what’s unique about you and your brand? You’ll build a loyal fanbase while you also build sales!
Custom products don’t just fall out of the sky, so you’ll want to kick-start the process today. You can apply to create your own custom product here.
Why sell custom products during the holidays?
If you start the process of launching a custom product today, you’ll be able to sell it to your fans during the holidays, but their orders won’t ship until the new year. So why sell it during the holidays?
And 63% of consumers were most likely to shop from online-only retailers. That’s good news for creators!
Your fans are looking for something special to buy, and custom products stand out.
You can tap into your fans’ desires and show that you can create literally anything they want.
Sell all season long with exciting promotions.
Let ‘em know they’ll get their special product in the new year – think of it like a bonus gift after the holidays are over. Something special just for them.
While the holidays are about giving to others, sometimes we need a reason to give something to ourselves. Self-care! A custom product can fill this need and give fans something to look forward to!
And by promoting your new custom product on your socials, you can also cross off some of your bingo squares. Win-Win! If you’re interested in selling something as unique as you, fill out this form, and our team will contact you.
CALIFORNIA, October 14, 2024 – Amaze, a leader in creator-powered commerce solutions, announced today a strategic integration with Adobe Express, the quick and easy create-anything app, to put Adobe’s world-class creative tools right at the fingertips of creators directly on the Spring by Amaze platform. This integration is a game-changer, providing creators of all sizes with seamless access to professional-grade design features—directly within Spring—making it easier than ever to create and sell extraordinary products.
A New Era of Seamless Creator Commerce
Starting today, Adobe Express will be integrated into Spring, allowing creators to design stunning graphics, apply them to products, and launch within one seamless platform—simplifying the entire process from idea to market. Creators can now elevate their products from great to extraordinary with the intuitive design tools Adobe Express is known for.
This integration couldn’t come at a better time as the creator commerce landscape rapidly expands. According to Pew Research Center, creators are in a prime position to capitalize on their influence, with three in ten adult social media users reporting they’ve purchased something after seeing a post from an influencer or content creator. However, most of these purchases are for products made by other brands, meaning creators only earn a fraction of the profit through affiliate marketing or promotions. By launching and selling their own products, creators can unlock a more lucrative revenue stream, earning more from each sale while also strengthening their brand.
The challenge for many creators has been navigating the complexities of design, product development, and logistics, leading to missed opportunities. That’s where this collaboration comes in. With Spring handling all printing, shipping, manufacturing, and distribution aspects, creators only need to focus on designing and promoting their products. Now, with the power of Adobe Express integrated into Spring, designing products their communities will love is easier than ever. The entire process—from concept to launching a live product—can be completed in minutes, all within the Spring platform. This integration is making it simpler than ever for creators to bring their ideas to life and start selling quickly.
Simplifying Design, Amplifying Creator Success
Adobe Express brings more than just design capabilities—it brings a new level of creative freedom. With features powered by generative AI designed to be safe for commercial use, creators can effortlessly transform simple text prompts into eye-catching, professional-grade graphics in just a few clicks. This powerful blend of ease and functionality means that even those with little to no design experience can produce stunning visuals their online communities will love. With access to thousands of professionally designed templates, a vast library of Adobe assets, and powerful editing tools, creators can streamline the design process while creating a distinctive look.
“Our goal at Amaze has always been to empower creators by removing barriers to success,” says Aaron Day, CEO of Amaze. “This collaboration with Adobe Express is a natural extension of that mission. By integrating Adobe’s design tools directly into Spring, we’re giving creators everything they need to succeed—all in one place. We believe that when creators have the right tools, they can turn their vision into reality, and, in doing so, unlock new revenue streams and build thriving businesses.”
Key Features of the Amaze and Adobe Express Integration:
Intuitive Design Tools: Professional-grade design tools are now available directly within the Spring product launcher, making it easy for creators to design graphics for their products without ever leaving the platform.
Generative AI Capabilities: Advanced AI features allow creators to transform simple text prompts into stunning visuals and unique text effects, streamlining the design process. Adobe Express features powered by Adobe Firefly generative AI are built to be commercially safe so creators can confidently use them for their businesses.
Vast Creative Library: Creators can access Adobe’s extensive collection of fonts, templates, and images to elevate product designs and create professional-quality products.
Exclusive Offer for Spring Creators: Spring users can take advantage of a 3-month free trial of Adobe Express Premium, unlocking even more advanced design features and creative possibilities.
Building the Future of Creator Commerce
Adobe’s mission has always been to make creativity accessible to everyone, and this integration with Amaze is a testament to that commitment. “We’re excited to partner with Amaze and bring the power of Adobe Express to the creator economy,” says Rob Cohee, Director of Product Management at Adobe. “By integrating directly into Spring, we’re giving creators the tools they need to create high-quality products that resonate with their audience—and turn those products into real business success.”
Amaze is not just leading the charge in creator commerce—it’s breaking down walls that once held creators back and opening doors to new possibilities. The path to building a brand, growing a community, and achieving financial freedom is now a reality for every creator. With the tools and support Amaze provides, there are no limits to what creators can achieve.
For more information about the Spring Adobe Express integration, please contact:
Amaze Software, Inc. is an all-in-one, end-to-end commerce solution for any creator looking to generate sustainable monetization and depth of community connection. Our creator-powered commerce solutions include a product creation platform, advanced commerce tools, and scalable managed services that help anyone sell anything, anywhere. We believe anyone can be a creator and that everyone should be empowered to tell their unique story, cultivate deeper connections with their audience, and create authentic, shoppable experiences that allow them to monetize their passion.
We’re on a mission to unleash potential and make it easy to create, share, and sell products and services. Build a no-code web page at www.amaze.co or launch a free store at www.springforcreators.com. For press inquiries, please email info@amaze.co.
In a world where sometimes it can feel like doom & gloom in the media, isn’t it wonderful that the holidays are upon us and we can look forward to a festive season with our communities and loved ones?
That’s right, Spring creators. Dust off those design ideas floating in your head and put that holiday touch on them. It’s time for some North Pole inspo to get your products holiday-ready for 2024!
Here are 8 trending Holiday themes and color trends to inspire you. Hop on these trends to create new designs, experiment with new color palettes, and create themed holiday posts on your socials! Let’s get going so you can sleigh the holidays (still love that term).
8 Holiday Themes and Color Schemes for 2024
1. Have a Blue Christmas
Go for a chill Christmas with the icicle vibe of blue trees and a calming blue color palette. Blue delivers a contemplative feel, just what some are looking for during the holiday season. Shades of blue consistently rank as everyone’s favorite color, most likely due to its calming effect on the brain. But know what else is cool? Blue can work for a variety of Holiday designs, especially when tying in wintry themes.
2. Retro Disco: Become an X-Mas Dancin’ Queen
Disco balls. Platform shoes. Bright pinks! Go loud and proud, baby! 2024 might as well be 1974!
One of the most playful Christmas trends happening is disco balls—as wreaths, hanging from the ceiling, on the tree, on a tee, you name it. And don’t expect to just see silver, but in every color, especially the hot pinks.
Expect to see disco everything: disco wine coolers, disco lips, disco mushrooms, analogue radios, tassels, fringes, platform boots and more! It’s time to boogie on down this Christmas!
3. Tropical Twist: Give Dad a “My Tie”
It’s time to kick tradition to the curb. Who says a Christmas tree has to be a Douglas Fir? Deck out a palm tree and add some cocktails and summer fun to christmas. And while you’re at it, throw some tropical designs on your tees and hoodies!
Since the trend is in, take it even further. Bring on the vibe with hummingbirds, butterflies, exotic animals like leopards and flamingos replacing the usual polar bears and robins. Add in all the tropical greenery you can muster. Splash the green palette with purples, pinks, and golds. Create a vibrant look that vibes like a holiday in paradise. Mele Kalikimaka!
4. Bows: Tie One On
Call it a holdover from Barbiecore 2023, but bows are still going strong. Large bows everywhere. Take pics of your bows, then slap the pic on your merch. Have fun with it.
This is one trend that isn’t going away anytime soon. Thank you Greta Gerwig!
5. Whimsical Woodland: Nod to Nature
We’re talking citrus accents, pine cones, and woodland creatures–they do holidays, too!
The woodland vibe involves earthy tones of rust, terracotta, brown, and green to create a rich backdrop for a slew of forest creatures, both real and mythical. Bring the holiday to all creatures big and small as your squirrel friends, along with the hedgehogs, deer, and foxes, frolic through your design.
Slap these magical woodland and mystical visitors (like gnomes hiding under their giant mushrooms) on your merch and watch your sales bloom like one of the petunias that just got sprinkled with some Holiday fairy dust.
CANDYLAND: Get a Sugar Rush
Whoever says Candyland shouldn’t be a thing has no soul. Ok, maybe they have a soul but not a sweet tooth.
Candyland decor just gets bigger and bolder every year. We’re talking a colorful palette of gingerbread, candy canes, cupcakes, macarons, and all that sugary goodness. Bring the sweets to your merch for a sweet holiday treat.
7. Ice Ice Baby: Take the Polar Plunge
Not feeling the tropical vibe? No worries. Haven’t you heard? Everyone’s going Polar. Time to take a walk in a winter wonderland.
This trend went out of style for a few years but is roaring back with a vengeance in 2024. Go big with the designs dripped in icicles, shiny glass, and crystals. Adorn your merch with ice skates, polar creatures and delicate snowflakes. Keep it chill!
8. Go Ugly: Everyone Wants an Ugly Christmas Sweater
With one in three people grabbing an ugly Christmas sweater each year, it’s a must-have holiday product to launch this year. Go nuts and do your own thing. No rules!
Want more tips?
Get them along with more inspiration at our Holiday Resource Hub. Complete the tasks on our bingo card to enter a raffle where you can win $3000 and other incredible prizes!
Keep in mind that the earlier you get your designs done the earlier you can start promoting, especially for products that need to ship in time for the holidays…Capitalize on that holiday excitement and start creating those holiday designs!
Let’s get real: as a content creator, your work is basically your baby, right? Whether it’s that super catchy slogan everyone quotes, your fire logo, or a design that’s totally your vibe, these aren’t just fun little side projects. They’re your brand. And as your brand starts blowing up, you better believe others are going to take notice—some might even try to snag your ideas if you’re not careful. That’s where copyrights and trademarks come in, to keep your stuff yours and protect you from anyone trying to ride your creative coattails.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know the difference between copyrights and trademarks, how to get your hands on them, and why they’re the best way to safeguard your creative empire. We’re about to break it down for you so that you can make moves like a pro, keep your brand safe, and avoid any messy legal drama down the line. Ready to level up? Let’s go.
Alright, let’s break it down in a way that won’t make your head spin: copyrights and trademarks might seem like they’re the same thing, but they’re actually here to do different jobs for your brand.
Copyright allows you to protect your creative work. If you’re an artist, designer, or creator making original content (think artwork, designs, music, videos, etc.), copyright is your best friend. The moment you create something tangible—like uploading a design or a video—you automatically have copyright protection. But here’s the kicker: registering it officially gives you even more legal muscle if someone tries to rip you off.
Trademark, on the other hand, is about protecting your brand’s identity. This includes things like your slogan, brand name, or logo—anything that makes your brand instantly recognizable in the marketplace. So, if you’ve got a killer catchphrase that’s become part of your brand, you’re going to want to trademark it before someone else does. Unlike copyright, trademarking isn’t automatic; you’ve gotta file for it.
Quick Recap:
Copyright = Protects your creative work (e.g., designs, videos, written content).
Trademark = Protects your brand elements (e.g., logos, slogans, brand names).
Which One Do You Need? If you’re designing merch or have a unique logo or slogan associated with your brand, you’ll probably want both! Copyright protects the creative stuff you’ve made, while trademarks lock down the branding that makes your content or products stand out.
Why Trademarking is a Big Deal for Creators
Your slogan, logo, and overall brand vibe are what make you stand out. They’re what people remember, what they associate with you, and ultimately what can help you monetize your creative genius. So, if you don’t protect these key pieces of your brand, you’re basically leaving the door wide open for someone else to swoop in and take what’s yours. And trust us—you do not want that kind of drama.
Here’s why trademarking your stuff is a must:
Protect Your Brand Identity: Your slogans and logos aren’t just cool design choices; they’re how people recognize you. If you don’t trademark them, someone else could legally claim them, and suddenly, that iconic catchphrase isn’t even yours to use anymore. Harsh, right?
Turn Your Trademark into a Business Asset: A trademark can seriously add value to your brand, especially if you start selling merch or expanding your business. Your logo or slogan could become a huge part of your income stream, and trademarks protect you as your business grows.
Stop Others from Cashing In on Your Work: Without a trademark, other people could use your branding, confusing your fans and potentially taking sales away from you. It’s like someone else cashing in on your hard-earned success. Nope!
Take TikToker Jools Lebron as a real-world example. Her catchphrase, “very demure, very mindful,” blew up, and it seemed like everything was going great—until someone else trademarked it before she could. Oof. Jools had poured so much time into building her brand around this phrase, but without the right protection, she couldn’t do anything about it at first. She was super open about how tough it was, posting on TikTok about how she didn’t have the resources or knowledge to avoid the situation(PinkNews)(indy100).
Thankfully, she’s getting it sorted now with a solid team backing her up, but it’s a major reminder: if you don’t lock down your brand early, someone else might beat you to it. Trademarking from the start saves you from the headaches (and maybe a few sleepless nights) later on.
Bottom line? Protect your brand, protect your future. Trademarks might not sound glamorous, but they’re your brand’s secret weapon.
Step-by-Step Guide to Trademarking Your Work
Ready to make sure no one can steal your brand’s vibe? Let’s go step-by-step so you can trademark your work like a pro. This might sound a little overwhelming, but don’t worry—it’s easy to follow!
Step 1: Do a Trademark Search
Before you get too hyped, you’ve gotta make sure someone else hasn’t already claimed your genius idea. This means doing a trademark search to check if your logo, slogan, or whatever you want to protect is already taken. Head to the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) database and search for any similar trademarks in your field. If you’re outside the U.S., make sure you’re using the right database for your country.
Pro tip: Do this early! You don’t want to spend time building your brand only to find out someone else got there first.
Step 2: Prep and File Your Application
Once you know your brand is all yours, it’s time to file! You’ll need to include the details of what you’re trademarking—whether it’s a logo, slogan, or both—and how you plan to use it (for example, on merch, in branding, etc.).
You’ll also need to pick a “class” for your trademark, which basically means choosing the category that best describes your business or product. There are a bunch of different classes (like clothing, entertainment, etc.), so make sure to choose the one that fits your brand.
Step 3: The Waiting Game (aka Application Review)
Once your application is filed, it goes to the USPTO for review. They’ll check to make sure your trademark meets all the criteria and that it’s not too similar to any existing trademarks. This part can take a while—sometimes months—so be patient!
Step 4: Publication and Opposition
If your application passes the review, it gets published for the world to see. This is when other people have a chance to speak up if they think your trademark is too close to theirs. Don’t stress—oppositions don’t happen too often, but it’s something to be aware of.
Step 5: Trademark Approved!
Congrats—you’ve made it! Once your trademark is approved, you’ll have the exclusive rights to use it in the categories you selected. That means you can slap it on your merch, use it in your branding, and no one else can touch it without your permission.
How to Copyright Your Work
If you’ve created something original, you’re already halfway there when it comes to copyright protection. Let’s walk through the process to make sure your work is fully locked down.
What Can Be Copyrighted?
Basically, any original work you’ve created can be copyrighted—whether it’s a logo design, video content, illustrations, written content, or even music. If you’ve put in the effort to make something new and creative, copyright can protect it.
Step 1: Create Your Work
Good news: copyright protection kicks in automatically the moment you create something and put it out there in a tangible form (like uploading a video or finalizing a design). You don’t need to file for it to get some level of protection, but don’t stop there—filing it officially gives you extra backup in case someone decides to mess with your work.
Step 2: Register Your Copyright (Optional but Highly Recommended)
While copyright protection is automatic, registering it gives you that legal muscle you’ll need if someone copies your work. It’s super helpful if you ever end up in court defending your creations. Here’s how you do it:
Submit an online application with the details of your work, and upload the content you want to protect (this could be a file of your design, a video, a script, etc.).
Pay the filing fee (don’t worry, it’s usually not too expensive).
Step 3: Play the Waiting Game
Once your application is in, the approval process can take a few months. But once you’re registered, your work is fully protected under copyright law, meaning you’ll have a way stronger case if someone tries to copy or steal your stuff.
How Long Does It Take?
When it comes to locking down your creative work, patience is key—these things take time! Here’s what you can expect when going through the trademark or copyright process:
Trademarking: 6-12 Months (ish)
The trademark process isn’t exactly lightning-fast. On average, it takes around 6 to 12 months to get your trademark fully approved. Why the wait? Well, it depends on a few factors:
Complexity of your trademark: If your logo, slogan, or design is super unique, you might breeze through the process. But if it’s similar to something already out there, the reviewing process could take longer.
Oppositions: After your trademark application is published, there’s a window where others can challenge it if they feel it’s too close to theirs. If someone opposes your application, that could slow things down.
Bottom line: trademarking takes time, so get started early to avoid delays messing with your business plans!
Copyrighting: Instant (Kinda)
Good news: your work is automatically copyrighted the second you create it and put it in a tangible form. But if you want to take that extra step and register your copyright (which, let’s be honest, you definitely should), the whole process takes about 3 to 6 months for full registration.
During this time, your work is still protected, but having that official registration gives you way more legal power if someone tries to steal your stuff.
So, while both processes take a bit of time, it’s worth it to protect your creative empire! Just be patient, and your brand will be locked down before you know it.
How Much Does It Cost?
Here’s the rundown on what you’re looking at when it comes to protecting your work:
Trademarking:
USPTO Filing Fees: The cost starts at $250 per class of goods or services if you use the TEAS Plus application and $350 per class for the TEAS Standard application (USPTO).
Additional Costs: If you decide to work with a lawyer (which is often a good idea), that can cost anywhere from $750 to $3,000 depending on the complexity of your case (Counsel for Creators LLP).
Copyrighting:
Basic Filing Fee: In the U.S., the fee to officially register your copyright is about $65 (USPTO) (Counsel for Creators LLP).
These fees can vary slightly in other countries, but this gives you a general idea of what to expect. If you’re ready to lock down your brand, it’s worth considering these costs upfront!
When you officially trademark or copyright your creative work, you’re gaining some powerful rights. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
What Rights Do You Have After Trademarking or Copyrighting?
For Trademarks:
Exclusive Use: Once your slogan, logo, or brand identifier is trademarked, you have the exclusive right to use it in your specific field. That means no one else can use it without your permission, preventing brand confusion.
Legal Protection: If someone tries to copy or misuse your trademark, you have the right to take legal action. This can involve anything from sending a cease-and-desist letter to suing for damages.
Licensing: You can license your trademark to others, meaning you can allow other businesses or individuals to use your branding in exchange for a fee. This is especially handy for creators who want to expand into merchandising or collaborations.
For Copyrights:
Reproduction Rights: Copyright gives you the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display your original work (e.g., designs, videos, artwork). This means you control how and where your work is shared or sold.
Infringement Protection: If someone uses your copyrighted work without your permission, you can take legal action. This might involve suing for damages, getting your work taken down from platforms, or stopping unauthorized use entirely.
Licensing and Selling: Like trademarks, copyrights allow you to license or sell your work to others. You can also earn royalties if your work is used commercially, giving you a continuous revenue stream.
Having these protections ensures that your brand and creativity remain under your control, giving you full ownership of how your work is used and monetized!
What Rules Do You Need to Follow Once Your Work Is Trademarked?
Once you’ve secured a trademark, it’s not just a “set it and forget it” deal. There are a few important rules and guidelines you need to follow to keep your trademark in good standing:
Use It or Lose It: Trademarks must be actively used in commerce. If you stop using your trademark for an extended period (typically three years or more), it could be considered “abandoned,” and you might lose the exclusive rights to it. So, keep your trademark in regular use on your products, services, or branding materials.
Renewals Are a Must: Trademarks in the U.S. need to be renewed. The first renewal happens between the 5th and 6th years after registration (filing a Section 8 Declaration of Continued Use), and then again every 10 years. These renewals require proof that you’re still using the trademark in commerce (USPTO) (USPTO).
Monitor for Infringement: It’s your responsibility to keep an eye out for anyone infringing on your trademark. The USPTO won’t monitor this for you, so you need to be proactive in protecting your rights. If someone uses your trademark without permission, you can (and should) take legal action to enforce your rights.
Maintain Proper Use: Make sure you’re using your trademark consistently and correctly. This means using the exact version of your logo or slogan that you registered. Any major changes might require filing a new trademark application. Also, don’t forget to use the trademark symbol (™) before registration and the ® symbol once it’s officially registered.
At the end of the day, your creative work is your brand, and that brand is your future. As a creator, locking down your intellectual property—whether it’s a slogan, design, logo, or more—shouldn’t be something you put off. Here’s why:
Secure Your Brand’s Future: As your brand grows, your intellectual property (IP) can turn into one of your most valuable assets. Whether you’re launching merch, expanding your online presence, or collaborating with other creators, having the legal rights to your work ensures that no one else can cash in on what you’ve built. Plus, a protected brand is far more attractive to potential partners or buyers.
Take the First Step Today: The longer you wait to protect your IP, the more you risk someone else claiming it first. Copyrighting or trademarking your work early on can save you from the legal mess and stress that comes with trying to reclaim your creations later. Protecting your work upfront is like putting up a fence around your creative empire—it keeps others out and keeps your brand safe.
For Trademarks: Head over to the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) and start the trademark application process here.
For Copyrights: You can register your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office by visiting their site here.
These official resources will guide you through the process, and you’ll be one step closer to locking down your creative assets!
Ready for the busiest, most profitable time of the year? That’s right! Election Day!… JK… The most profitable time of the year is the HOLIDAYS!!! And nothing says Holidays like snow, hot cocoa, and lots of GREEN. And we’re not talking about Grinch Green, but the kind that goes in the bank.
Updating your store to be in line with your brand and style will help you rake in even more money this year. That’s why we put together this cheat sheet with everything you need to do to customize your Spring store.
Plus, doing these three steps will mark off your first three bingo spaces! And if you don’t already know, you can win up to $3000 for hitting 5 in a row (read more about the competition here)! So let’s get started!
5 Seconds to Impress
It’s human nature. When we visit an online store, we first judge it by how it looks, and that can be the difference between a sale and someone movin’ on.
Facts:
82% of consumers are less likely to make a purchase if a store appears dated.
Shoppers are 5 times more likely to come to your storefront during the holiday season.
It only takes 50 milliseconds to form an opinion of a website and 75% of consumers judge a store’s credibility based on it’s design.
Products featured within storefronts get 58% more views and sell 20% more on average.
Knowing all this, you need to prep your store for this increased traffic, and you only get one shot.
4 Quick Steps to Prep Your Store:
Step 1: Refresh your content & organize your products
Scan your store. Top to bottom. Pretend you are a fan. How does it look to you? How much old content is on there? It’s time to sweep away the clutter and put your best merch forward. Here are some things to consider:
Get rid of old messaging. Add any new catchphrases.
Make sure your products are up to date! If something isn’t selling well, deprioritize it. Does that T-shirt need a new color? Change it up!
Consider refreshing your logo with a holiday twist.
To add a logo to your store, clock on Stores, Edit Store.
On the left-hand side, click on the Navigation bar.
Revamp your navigation bar and footer to make sure the aesthetic is consistent with your brand.
Re-order your products so your newest ones are first. You want your best sellers and holiday specials upfront and center. Featured products will appear at the top of your store, and there’s no limit to how many you can feature. Here’s how:
Go to your Store Editor
Click on Products
Click on the Star Icon to feature products
Another method to reorder your products: Remove them from your store (clicking on the circled x) and then re-add them based on the order you want them to appear. New products get added to the bottom of your store, so add the ones you want at the top of your store first!
Step 2: Update your banner
Customizing your Spring store is super easy, so why not give it a Holiday face-lift? For an instant effect, customize your Hero Banner. It’s the first thing your customers see and it sets the tone for the rest of your store.
First, click on the Hero banner in your store editor. Here you can drop in your image.
Tools like PlaceIt make it easy to create eye-catching lifestyle mockups. Just upload your design file, and you’re good to go.
Step 3: Add your branding
Adding your branding to your store makes it feel like YOU. Your fans already love your style and personality, so let’s bring that into your Spring store.
First off, add a logo to your store by clicking on Stores, Edit Store. On the left-hand side, click on the Navigation bar.
A logo not only sets your store apart but also helps your buyers recognize and remember you. 👀✨
Already have a logo? Perfect! Why not give it a holiday makeover? Add a little festive cheer with some fun Christmas fonts or sprinkle in a few snowflakes to spread the seasonal joy. If you don’t have a logo yet, now’s the perfect time to create one! Learn how to do that here.
But why stop at just a logo? You can also switch up the background and text colors in your navigation bar. Bright holiday colors might be just what your store needs to stay trendy this season! Just remember to keep your changes on-brand to keep your store looking sharp and cohesive.
And don’t forget about your footer! Keep that festive vibe going with a consistent design that ties your store’s look together from top to bottom. Staying on-brand in both your nav bar and footer will give your store a sleek, polished vibe that’ll leave a lasting impression.
Step 4: Get connected
How will you drive fans to your store? Your social channels, of course. So now is the time to make sure your channels are integrated. 50% of consumers are disappointed when a brand has no social media presence.
Here’s how to connect:
Go to Stores.
Scroll down to Social Profiles.
Connect your social media accounts.
Enable “Display Links” in your store editor under the navigation bar and footer.
If both are enabled, your social icons will then appear on the right-hand side of your navigation bar, as well as in the center of your footer.
Secondly, you want to make sure your domain is easy to remember. Keep it short, easy to type, and use a name that describes your brand. If you want to know how to connect or buy a domain, we’ve got that covered, too.
And that’s it! These steps will get your BINGO board started. Have fun connecting with your audience, fans, customers, and make a ton of Holiday Green!
Can you guess what’s in store for you this Holiday Season? BINGO! That’s right, Spring’s busting out the checkerboard that leads to big prizes!
The gameplay is simple: every time you complete a bingo task, a box on the Spring Creator Bingo card gets checked off.
Each square represents an important step you should take to ensure a successful holiday season. After all, it’s the biggest selling season of the year!
Just follow the steps on the squares, hit five in a row, and hit the Bingo button on our Resource Hub! For every Bingo you call, your name will be entered into a raffle to win one of these amazing prizes:
$3,000 grand prize
$1,000 second prize
$500 third prize
Plus, 10 lucky winners will also score a $10 gift card each!
Complete the entire bingo card to maximize your chances of winning! Everything on the card is designed to set you up for maximum success this holiday, so let’s get started and make it your best season yet!
How to Play
Playing Holiday Bingo is simple and fun! 🎉
Every time you complete a task on the bingo card, you get to check off a square.
The tasks are designed to help you maximize your holiday success, from sharing your products on social media to launching new designs.
Once you’ve completed 5 squares in a row—vertically, horizontally, or diagonally—you’ve got a Bingo!
It’s that easy!
Read our full terms and conditions for our Holiday Bingo here.
How to Claim “BINGO!”
Complete tasks on the Spring Creator Bingo Card, such as sharing your products on social media or launching a holiday design.
Once you’ve checked off 5 squares in a row—whether it’s vertically, horizontally, or diagonally—hit the Bingo button by submitting through theBingo form.
Each Bingo you hit enters your email into our raffle for a chance to win big prizes.
Keep going! Complete the entire Bingo card for more chances to win!
Winners will be announced during the first week of January, so be on the lookout!
If you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ll get an email with all the details on how to claim your prize. Make sure to check your inbox (and maybe your spam folder, just in case)!
Don’t wait too long—winners need to respond within 7 days to claim their prize. If we don’t hear back, we’ll pick a new winner!
And of course, we’ll be shouting out our winners across social media—so you might just see your name in lights! 🌟
Winning Tip: Winning prizes might inspire you to offer discounts to your fans, too. Announcing on your socials that you’re in the Holiday Spirit by offering promo codes just may rocket up your sales even more!
Set Yourself Up to Break Your Sales Record
Yes, games are fun, but the Spring Creator Bingo Card is designed to help you boost your holiday sales by getting your store in top shape and promoting your products effectively.
But don’t forget Community & Fun: It’s not just about sales—connect with your community and have fun while doing it! Holiday Bingo is a way to keep the momentum going all season long.
So what are you waiting for! Get started on your Bingo card today, have fun, and start knocking out those squares to win BIG this holiday season! Happy Holidays, and Happy Selling!
Read our full terms and conditions for our Holiday Bingo here.
